A few hours ago, Wick Sloane taught his first section of an 11:45 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. course. He’s inspired by his students and community college – and mad as hell that no one seems to care about the nationwide conditions that make it impossible for so many students to find sections at the hours they need.

Like most of us who work in higher education, I really don’t have the time, or the courage, to be an activist for adjunct faculty rights. But I’m making the time and I’m summoning the courage because I’m not only an adjunct; I’m a parent and a citizen who is concerned — indeed, afraid — for the future of higher education.

When I became an associate dean for undergraduate programs not quite four years ago, I did not know the term “helicopter parent,” even though I’d sent my only child off to college not long before. By the time I’d had the job for a year, the label was so ubiquitously present that I knew exactly why a PowerPoint conference presentation that began with a swooping helicopter, complete with soundtrack, brought down the house.